Douglass Read-a-Thon
On Sunday, February 4, the New Bedford Historical Society is hosting the Twenty First Annual Community Read-a-thon of the first autobiography of Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave written by Himself (1845).
We invite members of the New Bedford community to join the event as readers in this celebration of the life and legacy of one of New Bedford’s great men. The Read-a-thon will be held on Sunday, February 4th, from 2:00–6 p.m., at the First Unitarian Church, 71 Eighth Street in New Bedford, MA. Refreshments will be available. For additional information, please contact the Society at (508) 979-8828.
At the Millicent
The following events will be held at the Millicent Library, 45 Center St., Fairhaven. Accessible. To register, or learn more call the library at 508-992-5342, email athiel@sailsinc.org, or visit http://www.millicentlibrary.org/events
Celebrate Black History month with events for all ages. This series is a collaboration between Millicent Library and the Fairhaven Belonging Committee.
Community Read: Invisible Generals Feb. 1st – Feb. 29th. Join us for a community read: pick up a copy of Invisible Generals by Doug Melville during the month of February. There will be multiple copies of the book available for check out on display near the circulation desk. No meetings to attend or deadlines to finish the book by – just a chance to read and learn in community!
Hidden Figures Storytime Wed., 2/21, 10:30am This storytime will feature Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, featuring related crafts and activities. For families, all ages in the auditorium.
Movie Screening – Hidden Figures Wed., 2/21, February 21st at 6pm Join us for a screening of “Hidden Figures” (2016, PG) in the auditorium. “Hidden Figures” is based on the true events that unfolded during the early days of the U.S. space program. The story revolves around three brilliant African-American women mathematicians — Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson — who played pivotal roles at NASA, contributing to the success of the historic space missions. All ages welcome, light refreshments served.
Ekua Holmes Crafternoon Thurs., 2/22 from 3-4pm In this special edition crafternoon, we will create collages inspired by the work of award-winning artist and illustrator Ekua Holmes. Ekua Holmes, a prominent African American artist and MA native, has left a mark in children’s book illustration with her distinctive and vibrant collage style. Options for all ages – young children may need assistance.
Movie Screening – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Fri., 2/23 at 2pm Join us for a screening of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018, PG) in the auditorium, an award winning animated movie, featuring Miles Morales, the first black Spider-Man in the comic book’s universe (introduced in 2011). All ages welcome, light refreshments served.
To register for any of these events, visit: millicentlibrary.org/events.
At the NB Whaling Park
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, 33 William St., New Bedford, has announced its programming commemorating Black History Month in February 2024. This year’s theme chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®) is African Americans and the Arts. New Bedford is known for its rich culture and historical artistic significance, and we celebrate today’s artists of the African diaspora who come from every corner of the globe. Two of New Bedford’s own, Iva Brito and Eden Soares will be telling the stories of their art and inspiration. In addition, the 1850s Ladies will explore New Bedford and Boston anti-slavery societies and how crafts became a part of the abolitionist cause. Finally, the park will show the movie, 12 Years A Slave, directed by African Brit Steve McQueen which tells the story of Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped and sold into enslavement from freedom.
Sat., Feb. 3 at 1:00 PM: Join Iva Brito (also known as Iva B), a mother, artist, poet, and award-winning author as she shares her art and inspiration. As a native of Cabo Verde, West Africsa, Iva channels her nostalgic love of her birthplace through her work that looks at the intersectionality of culture, social and political issues.
Sat., Feb.10 at 1:00 PM: Join Eden Soares of trigrfx pronounced / tri,grafiks/ as he shares his work through murals and other arts. As a local artist, he weaves a story that resonates with the local community and visitors alike. In the past years, he has captured the essence of New Bedford’s culture and history in colorful and captivating murals. Some of his works include the artistic painting of Booker T. Washington. He has also created a mural honoring Cesaria Evora on the wall of the Cape Verdean Cultural Center, the former Strand Theater on Acushnet Avenue.
Sat., Feb. 17 at 1:00 PM: Join the 1850 Ladies, aka Ruth and Abby as they explore both Boston and New Bedford anti-slavery societies on how they used crafting to raise money to support the abolitionist cause. What kinds of handcrafts or quilts were on display for sale? Do they have stories? Do they preserve history the community memories as well as for empowerment? The Ladies will display some of the arts and crafts sold and how New Bedford contributed to the cause. They will also tell stories of New Bedford’s women, who held abolitionist fairs here in the city.
Sat. Feb. 24 at 1:00 PM: Join us for the screening and discussion of the movie 12 Years A Slave – an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom directed by Steve McQueen. It is 1841 and Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Stripped of his identity and deprived of all dignity, Northup is purchased by ruthless plantation owner Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender) and must find the strength within to survive. In his twelfth year in captivity, a chance encounter with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life.
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